Core issues in Appalachia center on energy and the environment. The fossil fuel industry has historically undergirded the regional economy, but at the same time, natural resource extraction (along with other factors) have produced negative and often pronounced environmental and public health impacts. Environmental justice, which explores how negative environmental impacts disproportionately affect subordinated groups based on socioeconomic status, race, and sex is of particular concern in Appalachia. The Appalachian Justice Initiative is dedicated to addressing such environmental issues at the policy level and through direct legal advocacy, and is committed to pursuing a healthy, just, and ecologically sustainable future for the Appalachian region.
Why The U.S. Coal Industry And Its Jobs Are Not Coming Back
James M. Van Nostrand | Yale Environment 360 (Dec. 1, 2016)
Will Taxpayers Foot the Cleanup Bill for Bankrupt Coal Companies
Patrick C. McGinley | The Conversation (May. 9, 2016)
WVU Land Use Clinic’s Work Before and After West Virginia Devastating Flooding
in 2016
via WVU Land Use Clinic
An Energy and Sustainability Roadmap for West Virginia
James M. Van Nostrand | 115 W. Va. L. Rev. 879 (2013)
Professor McGinley Wins International Environmental Rights Award
via WVU Law